Two Forester owners – Margo Romanowski from Boston, Massachusetts, and Tom Knight from Jacksonville, Florida – each spent a day driving a new Forester 2.5i model with a professional auto journalist (John Matras). Their observations follow.

In a nutshell, the 2014 Forester comes loaded for bear and holds surprises for everyone, regardless of expectations. The best news is that the core values we all love about Forester – functionality and dependability – remain unchanged. Yet Subaru has taken significant steps to make sure our vehicle of choice remains the class leader in technology.

Photos: John Matras

Exterior

We Subaru buyers have always been very pointed in the demands we place upon our vehicles. We even have been called “quirky.” But we knew what we valued most: reliable transportation that could haul home the bacon when we needed it.

Well, hallelujah! Starting with the current model’s styling, we could ride with our heads high. More importantly, we can see a whole lot better out of the Forester than any of the competing makes.

One more thing: When we pull up to the crowd and our tailgate pops up remotely, there are going to be more than a few folks who think we Subaru guys and gals are really on to something. And when we take off across the tundra and leave them sitting there … well, they’ll know they missed out.

Interior

As is vogue these days, the Forester came loaded with electronic goodies. The higher the trim level you pick, the more goodies you get. Even the base level, though, has features we could only dream about just a few years ago – all the “buzz-word” applications, such as Bluetooth®1 audio, status reports on operational readiness, and constant feedback on mileage to aid in operating efficiency.

Mechanical – The Drive

New for this year (optional on Forester 2.5i models and standard on turbo models) is the Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The big benefit is increased efficiency, which really pays off at the gas pump. With fewer moving parts, the CVT also should prove a boon to trouble-free operation.

After spending several hours in the Forester, under all kinds of driving conditions – city, country roads, and even some Florida sandpits – you forget all about the technology of the transmission and just enjoy the ride.

* Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery
charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling
and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options,
features and models subject to change without notice.

** EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary.

Subaru has the utmost respect for the environment and is a proud partner of Leave
No Trace. Care was taken not to harm the environment when taking this photo.

iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.; Brembo is a registered trademark
of Freni Brembo S.p.A.; Alcantara is a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A and
Alcantara is produced by Toray Group.; TORSEN is a registered trademark of JTEKT
Corporation.; BBS is a registered trademark of BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik AG.; Bluetooth
is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.; HomeLink is a registered trademark
of Prince Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls.; Aha and Harman
Kardon are a registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc.; Android
is a trademark of Google Inc.; HD Radio is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital
Corporation.; Pandora is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc.; SiriusXM
and SiriusXM NavTraffic are registered trademarks of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Inc.;
iHeart is a registered trademark of Clear Channel.

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